Thanks Louis, i have the old Esci MiG-27 kit, with some AM stuff to help it out. As it is quite basic in the cockpit. Since you mentioned it I am going to just pop the lid and see how it holds up against the Trump kit. Different plane really but it's roots is a MiG-23BN.

Finally getting the seat finished, I have never added so many PE bits to a seat such as I did for the MIg-23. But what a difference it makes enhancing it. Reason why I took my time to allow each bit to set before adding more to finally complete it.I will install this into cockpit tub later, reason that there will be a lot of handling of the kit as it progresses and limit the chances of any bits falling off during the process. Next to install the PE bits and pieces on the fuselage halves. Put this aside for awhile and build some of the sub assy's next. More to follow

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The trick for me is not to do it all at once, Do a couple of pieces then put it aside work on something else.

Now back to regular programming, with the Midway Group Build now in the past, time to pick up on the MiG-23, sitting idle for the last 4 months. Where we left was to start to assemble the fuselage. Getting back into building the landing gear bays, starting with the nose gear bay and assembling the multi piece gear bay. This where some say the over-engineering comes into play. Though the parts fit well and align quite nicely. And then you look at Esci's simple gear bay moulded into the fuselage 1/2 of their kit and you see what some of those critics meant. However the detail is much better compared to the that kit. Anyway it does fit well into the fuselage after test fitting. Putting that aside, next to install the cockpit tub into the forward nose section, test for alignment before cementing. With the PE detail bits installed on the side consoles on both nose halves, the cockpit tub aligns well and the nose is assembled. Next time will finish up the rear lower fuselage section before we start installing the swing wings. More to follow

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Simple yet effective approach in how Trumpeter allows the swing wing feature to function in a way that it will last over the years. 1st removing the upper section from the sprue. Assembling the swing wing mechanism components. Next to place the wings in position. Trumpeter known at times for over engineering, in this case quite an easy procedure. Next to install the wing glove section, let it set. Once the glue has everything nice and secure. The wings function properly, not loose or floppy, nice fit overall. Next to install the assembled upper section to the main fuselage and now we have what starting to llke a Mig-23. More to follow.

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Next to get some sub assemblies done, in this case the weapons. Will configure the MiG-23 with 2 R-24 Mid range missiles and 4 R-60 short range missiles. The pylons for these missiles were also assembled and painted In Lt Blue Grey. The missiles are white. Trumpeter supplies a nice set of stencils for these and they go on very well. In fact this kit is like a weapon set on it's own with the extra ordnance supplied in the kit. After decaling the ordnance and pylons, put them aside and continue on to the next phase. Install the nose.

9 attached images. Click to enlarge.

I'm with George: I just found this.

That seat (and interior) is quite the little model in itself. It looks awesome! The amount of different weapons provided is amazing.

Great job!